On September 2, 2019, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Ri Yong Ho, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at the Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang.

Wang Yi expressed, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and the DPRK. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s state visit to the DPRK is a great success and of milestone significance. It has greatly enhanced the traditional friendship and the strategic mutual trust between China and the DPRK and pushed the relations between the two Parties and the two countries to a new historical period. It is an unswerving policy of the Chinese government to well maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations. The Chinese side is willing to, together with the DPRK side, fully implement the important consensus reached by General Secretary Xi Jinping and Chairman Kim Jong Un as soon as possible and well hold commemorative activities marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and the DPRK. Efforts should be made to facilitate friendly exchanges, promote practical cooperation, intensify communication and coordination in the international arena, and earnestly translate the will of the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries into our joint actions, so as to promote China-DPRK relations for better development.

Wang Yi stressed, for the 70 years, no matter what has happened in the international landscape, China and the DPRK have all along stuck together through thick and thin and marched forward together. This comes down to the very nature of socialist country led by the communist parties of the two countries and the strategic guidance of leaders of previous generations. At present, in China, the Communist Party of China (CPC) is launching an education campaign on the theme of “staying true to our founding mission” and forging ahead toward the Two Centenary Goals. The DPRK is implementing the new strategic line and constantly making new progress in various economic and social causes. We believe that with our joint efforts, China-DPRK relations on the new starting point will surely show stronger vitality and usher in a brighter future.

Ri Yong Ho expressed, since the beginning of last year, Chairman Kim Jong Un has paid four visits to China. Two months ago, General Secretary Xi Jinping paid a successful visit to the DPRK. The top leaders of the DPRK and China have met for five times within a year and reached the important consensus on inheriting and developing the traditional friendship and friendly cooperation between the DPRK and China, jointly opening up a new era for bilateral relations. State Councilor Wang Yi’s visit is a crucial component of commemorative activities of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relationship. This demonstrates that the Chinese side attaches great importance to implementing the lofty will of the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries and pushing the development of DPRK-China relations. Ri Yong Ho said, it is the consistent stance of the WPK and the DPRK to unswervingly advance bilateral friendship and cooperation. The DPRK side stands ready to work with the Chinese side to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between the DPRK and China and push bilateral relations for greater progress in the new era. Ri Yong Ho congratulated the People’s Republic of China on the 70th anniversary of its founding and sincerely wished the Chinese people new and greater achievements on the new long march of national rejuvenation under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as its core.

Wang Yi briefed on the current situation in Hong Kong and the stance and measures of the Chinese side. Ri Yong Ho expressed, the DPRK side has repeatedly made clear its position on the Hong Kong issue. I am willing to reiterate again that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, which allows no external interference. The WPK and the DPRK government resolutely support the CPC and the Chinese government in safeguarding “one country, two systems” and safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Both sides also exchanged in-depth views on the Korean Peninsula situation and briefed each other on the latest development. Both sides agreed to maintain close communication in this regard and make even greater contributions to safeguarding regional peace and stability.